Nick Nurse is not taking the New York Knicks lightly. The Philadelphia 76ers head coach made that abundantly clear ahead of Round 2, showering the Knicks with praise while acknowledging the steep challenge ahead.
For New York fans, this is exactly the kind of respect that fuels a hungry team and a sign that the Knicks have everyone’s attention heading into the second round.
Nick Nurse Sends a Message: Knicks Are a ‘Tremendous Challenge’
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse on Knicks
Nurse kept it honest when asked about facing New York:
“I think they’re very good. I think their starting lineup is incredible… Brunson is obviously a big problem. I think they’re very good and it’s going to be a tremendous challenge,” the 76ers coach said.
Nick Nurse talks about the 76ers’ upcoming matchup with the Knicks:
Coming from a coach who has faced the Knicks in the playoffs before, this is as close to a public scouting report as you’ll get and it’s not flattering for Philadelphia.
V. J. Edgecombe also shared his thoughts when asked about the upcoming series: “Obviously they have played together for a minute, they have good chemistry, they play hard. We’ve got to do the same thing, match their energy… May the best team win.”
“Obviously they have played together for a minute, they have good chemistry, they play hard. We’ve got to do the same thing, match their energy… May the best team win”
The Knicks Vs 76ers Schedule
GettyJalen Brunson #11 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks
| Day | Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 5/4 | New York vs PHI | 8:00 PM | NBC/PCK |
| Wed | 5/6 | New York vs PHI | 7:00 PM | ESPN |
| Fri | 5/8 | New York vs PHI | 7:00 PM | Prime |
| Sun | 5/10 | New York vs PHI | 3:30 PM | ABC |
| Tue | 5/12 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
| Thu | 5/14 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
| Sun | 5/17 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
Madison Square Garden Gives Knicks the Home Court Edge
New York enters this series with home court advantage, and Madison Square Garden remains one of the most intimidating venues in the NBA.
The Knicks historically feed off MSG’s energy, in the 2024 playoffs, New York went 4-1 across five home games before falling to Miami in the second round.
The 76ers, who had a poor home record in the 2025-26 regular season, will now face a rocking MSG crowd in Games 1 and 2, and Jalen Brunson himself has called playing at home “really fun” and “special”.
Knicks Bench Brings Depth That Could Decide the Series
GettyNew York Knicks bench is the secret weapon for their win.
76ers Coach called the starting players “incredible.” New York’s bench may quietly be a difference-maker. On the court, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Clarkson have taken the lead as the main players coming off the bench in the playoffs, giving both scoring and defensive energy when the starters are resting.
Mike Brown, the head coach, has stated that a deep rotation is essential, and with guys like Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek at hand, the Knicks have ways to keep the intensity on Philadelphia for the whole game.
76ers Coach Has a Clear Message for New York Knicks Ahead of Game 1